Weightlifting apparatus and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A weightlifting apparatus can include a weightlifting bar having a pair of moveable hand gripping members, and means for providing resistance against inward movement of the hand grips. The bar can be substantially cylindrical, and hand gripping members can be telescopically positioned on the bar. The hand gripping members can move axially along the bar and rotate about the bar. A first resistance member can be positioned on the bar intermediate the center of the bar and the first hand gripping member, and a second resistance member can be positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member. The resistance members can be spring loaded tension coils that provide resistance against the first and second hand gripping members when moved inwardly toward the center of the bar.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/122,970, filed Nov. 3, 2014, which is incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a weightlifting apparatus, and a methodof using the apparatus. One embodiment of the invention comprises aweightlifting bar having moveable hand grips, and means for providingresistance against inward movement of the hand grips.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Weightlifting is a popular and effective means for developing musclestrength and improving overall health and fitness. Barbells anddumbbells are commonly used to develop muscles in the upper body, and inparticular the pectoralis muscle. Barbells feature equal weightspositioned on opposite ends of a single long bar that is gripped by bothhands of the user, while dumbbells have a short bar gripped by only onehand of the user. Barbells provide greater stability for the user thandumbbells, and therefore the user can typically lift more weight on asingle barbell than with two dumbbells. However, dumbbells generallyallow for a greater range of motion for the user than a barbell, whichrequires the user to keep both hands in place on a single bar.Accordingly, there is a need for a weightlifting apparatus providingstability similar to that of a barbell, while allowing for a greatervariety of motion than traditional barbells.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide aweightlifting bar that allows the user to engage in multiple motionswhile lifting. Another object of the present invention is to provide amethod of weightlifting that effectively develops the pectoralis muscle.These and other objects of the invention can be achieved by theembodiments of the invention disclosed below.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a weightlifting apparatuscomprising a bar having first and second ends and defining a centermidway between the first and second ends, and first and second handgripping members positioned on the bar and adapted for sliding movementon the bar. The center of the bar is intermediate the first and secondhand gripping members. A first resistance member is positioned on thebar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member, andprovides resistance against the first hand gripping member when thefirst hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar. Asecond resistance member is positioned on the bar intermediate thecenter and the second hand gripping member, and provides resistanceagainst the second hand gripping member when the second hand grippingmember is moved toward the center of the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and secondhand gripping members are adapted for rotational movement on the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar issubstantially cylindrical, and each of the first and second handgripping members comprises a substantially cylindrical sleevetelescopically positioned on the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first andsecond hand gripping members include first and second guard sectionsformed at opposite ends of the sleeve having a diameter greater than adiameter of the sleeve.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar and the firstand second hand gripping members are comprised of metal.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first andsecond resistance members comprise a spring loaded tension coil.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar is adapted tosupport and maintain a first weight proximate the first end, and asecond weight proximate the second end.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first weightcomprises a first plurality of weighted plates, and the second weightcomprises a second plurality of weightlifting plates.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a stop member, such asan enlarged end sleeve or removable collar, is positioned on the barproximate the first end of the bar to maintain the first plurality ofweightlifting plates on the bar. Another stop member is positioned onthe bar proximate the second end for maintaining the second plurality ofweightlifting plates on the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a weightliftingapparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical bar having first andsecond ends and a center point located midway between the first andsecond ends. First and second substantially cylindrical hand grippingmembers are telescopically positioned on the bar and can move axiallyalong the bar and rotate about the bar. The center of the bar isintermediate the first and second hand gripping members. A firstresistance member is positioned on the bar intermediate the center andthe first hand gripping member, and provides resistance against thefirst hand gripping member when the first hand gripping member is movedtoward the center of the bar. A second resistance member is positionedon the bar intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member,and provides resistance against the second hand gripping member when thesecond hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first andsecond hand gripping members comprise an elongate center section forgripping by a user, and inner and outer guard sections formed atopposite ends of the elongate center section having a diameter greaterthan a diameter of the elongate center section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first resistancemember comprises a first spring loaded tension coil, and the inner guardsection of the first hand gripping member is adjacent to the firstspring loaded tension coil. A second resistance member comprises asecond spring loaded tension coil, and the inner guard section of thesecond hand gripping member is adjacent to the second spring loadedtension coil.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a first stop member isreleasably attached to the bar proximate the first end of the bar, and asecond stop member is releasably attached to the bar proximate thesecond end of the bar. Axial movement of the first hand gripping memberis stopped by the outer guard section of the first hand gripping membercontacting the first stop member, and axial movement of the second handgripping member is stopped by the outer guard section of the second handgripping member contacting the second stop member.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first andsecond stop members can be comprised of a collar that is releasablyattached to the bar by a locking screw.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the bar is adapted tosupport and maintain a first plurality of weightlifting plates proximatethe first end, and a second plurality of weightlifting plates proximatethe second end.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a first collar ispositioned on the bar proximate the first end for maintaining the firstplurality of weightlifting plates on the bar, and a second collar ispositioned on the bar proximate the second end for maintaining thesecond plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of exercisecomprising providing a weightlifting apparatus comprising a bar havingfirst and second ends and defining a center midway between the first andsecond ends, first and second hand gripping members positioned on thebar adapted for axial and rotational movement on the bar, and a firstresistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center of thebar and the first hand gripping member, and a second resistance memberpositioned on the bar intermediate the center and second hand grippingmember. The first resistance can provide resistance against the firsthand gripping member when the first hand gripping member is movedinwardly toward the center of the bar, and the second resistance membercan provide resistance against the second hand gripping member when thesecond hand gripping member is moved inwardly toward the center of thebar. The bar is lifted, and the first and second hand gripping membersare moved inwardly toward the center of the bar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and secondhand gripping members are moved outwardly away from the center of thebar.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and secondhand gripping members are rotated about the bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weightlifting apparatus according to apreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the weightliftingapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view illustrating a method ofusing the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another environmental perspective view illustrating a methodof using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is another environmental perspective view illustrating a methodof using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is another environmental perspective view illustrating a methodof using the weightlifting apparatus of FIGS. 1; and

FIG. 7 is another environmental perspective view illustrating a methodof using the weightlifting apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION AND BEST MODE

A weightlifting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at referencenumeral 10. The weightlifting apparatus 10 comprises a substantiallycylindrical elongate bar 12, a pair of substantially cylindrical handgripping members 20, 30 positioned on the bar 12, and a pair ofresistance members 25, 35 positioned on the bar 12.

The bar 12 can be made of a metal such as steel, aluminum or othersuitable material. The bar 12 can have the length and diameter of astandard barbell. The bar 12 can support a plurality of standard twoinch weight plates at opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar. The apparatus 10includes stop members proximate opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar 12 tomaintain the weight plates on the bar 12 and prevent the weight platesfrom sliding on the bar 12. The stop members can be enlarged end sleeves18, 19 formed on the bar 12 proximate opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar12, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the stop members can be removableweight collars positioned proximate opposite ends 14, 16 of the bar 12to maintain weight plates on the bar 12.

Hand gripping members 20 can be comprised of an elongate center sleevesection 21 and a pair of enlarged guard sections 22, 23 at opposed endsof the center section 21, as shown in FIG. 2. Likewise, the other handgripping member 30 can be comprised of an elongate center sleeve section31 and a pair of enlarged guard sections 32, 33 at opposed ends of thecenter section 31. The hand gripping members 20, 30 can be made of ametal such as steel, aluminum or other suitable material. Each of thehand gripping members 20, 30 can be approximately seven inches long.

The hand gripping members 20, 30 can be hollow and have an innerdiameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the bar 12. Thehand gripping members can be telescopically positioned on the bar 12. Assuch, the hand gripping members 20, 30 can slide axially on the bar, andcan rotate about the bar. The hand gripping members 20, 30 arepositioned on opposite sides of the center 15 of the bar 12,approximately equal distance from the center 15, as shown in FIG. 1.

The apparatus 10 includes means for providing resistance to inwardmovement of the hand gripping members 20, 30. The means for providingthis resistance can be a pair of resistance members 25, 35 positioned onthe bar 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the resistance members 25, 35can be comprised of a spring loaded tension coil. The spring loadedtension coils 25, 35 can be made of a metal, such as steel or aluminum,or other suitable material. The coils 25, 35 are positioned on the bar12 proximate the hand gripping members 20, 30, respectively, as shown inFIG. 1. One coil 25 is positioned between the center 15 of the bar 12and the left hand gripping member 20, and the other coil 35 ispositioned between the center 15 and the right hand gripping member 30,as shown in FIG. 1.

A plurality of stop members 26, 27, 36, 37 are positioned on the bar 12to restrict movement of the hand gripping members 20, 30 and the coils25, 35. Each of the stop members can be comprised of a collar that isreleasably attached to the bar 12 by a locking screw 40, shown in FIG.2. The collars 26, 27, 36, 37 are held in place on the bar 12 bytightening the locking screws 40. Inner collars 26, 36 are positioned onthe bar 12 between the center 15 and the hand gripping members 20, 30,respectively, as shown in FIG. 1. As such, the coils cannot moveinwardly beyond the inner collars 26, 36. Outer collars 27, 37 arepositioned on the bar 12 to the outside of the hand gripping members 20,30. Left outer collar 27 is positioned between the left end 14 of thebar 12 and the left hand gripping member 20, and the right outer collar37 is positioned between the right end 16 of the bar 12 and the righthand gripping member 30. As such, the left hand gripping member 20cannot move outwardly on the bar 12 beyond the left outer collar 27, andthe right hand gripping member 30 cannot move outwardly on the bar 12beyond the right outer collar 37.

The left hand gripping member 20 and the left coil 25 are maintained onthe bar 12 between the inner collar 26 and outer collar 27, as shown inFIG. 2. Likewise, the right hand gripping member 30 and the right coil35 are maintained on the bar 12 between the inner collar 36 and outercollar 37. If desired, the user can release the collars 26, 27, 36, 37by unscrewing the locking screws 40, and the collars 26, 27, 36, 37 canbe moved to different positions on the bar 12 to adjust to the comfortand preferences of the user. When the collars 26, 27, 36, 37 are in thedesired position, the collars can be re-secured to the bar 12 bytightening the locking screws 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner guard section 22 of the left hand grippingmember 20 is adjacent to the left coil 25, and the outer guard section23 of the left hand gripping member 20 is adjacent to the outer collar27. Likewise, the inner guard section 32 of the right hand grippingmember 30 is adjacent to the right coil 35, and the outer guard section33 of the right hand gripping member 30 is adjacent to the outer collar37. When the hand gripping members 20, 30 are moved inwardly toward thecenter 15 of the bar 12, the spring loaded coils 25, 35 provideresistance against the hand gripping members 20, 30.

A method of using the weight lifting apparatus 10 according to apreferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. Asshown in FIG. 3, weight plates 50 are positioned at opposite ends 14, 16of the bar 12 proximate the end sleeves 18, 19. The user's hands 80 gripthe hand gripping members 20, 30, with the hand gripping members 20, 30in their natural position at rest on the bar 12. The user lifts the bar12 upwardly in a bench press type motion, while simultaneously slidingthe handles 20, 30 inwardly toward the center 15 of the bar 12, as shownin FIG. 4. The spring loaded tension coils 25, 35 provide resistanceagainst the inward movement of the handles 20, 30 as the user pushes thehandles 20, 30 inwardly. This provides isolation and contraction of theuser's pectoralis muscles. The pectoralis muscles of the user aresimultaneously worked at two distinct angles by two distinct exercisemotions. When the user's bench press reaches full extension, the usercan slowly release the pressure on the handles 20, 30 and slide thehandles 20, 30 outwardly back to their natural position, as shown inFIG. 5. The user can then lower the apparatus 10 back to the positionshown in FIG. 3, and repeat the above steps until the desired number ofrepetitions are done.

The weightlifting apparatus 10 can be used in a variety of exercises.For example, the apparatus can be used in a front raise type exercise.Before lifting the bar 12, the user should firmly grip the handles 20,30, while standing or seated on an incline bench. The handles 20, 30 arepushed inwardly toward the center 15 of the bar 12. This isolates andcontracts the muscles. The user raises the bar 12 in front of himself ina straight, locked arm motion. The user slowly releases pressure to thehandles 20, 30 when the bar is at shoulder height. The user lowers thebar 12 back down in front of himself in a straight, locked arm motion.These steps can be repeated until the desired number of repetitions aredone.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the user can rotate the hand gripping members20, 30 about the bar 12. This can help develop muscles in the user'swrist, and add to the variety of exercises that can be accomplished withthe apparatus 10.

The weightlifting apparatus 10 helps facilitate muscle isolation duringwork outs, and enables the user to perform two different type workoutsat the same time in a single exercise. Because multiple exercise motionscan be performed simultaneously, the apparatus 10 can shorten work outtimes, and provide a more intense workout than a standard barbell.

A weightlifting apparatus and method of using same are described above.Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from itsscope. The above description of various embodiments and best mode of theinvention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and notlimitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A weightlifting apparatus comprising: (a) a barhaving first and second ends and defining a center midway between thefirst and second ends; (b) first and second hand gripping memberspositioned on the bar and adapted for sliding movement on the bar,wherein the center of the bar is intermediate the first and second handgripping members; and (c) a first resistance member positioned on thebar intermediate the center and the first hand gripping member, thefirst resistance member adapted for providing resistance against thefirst hand gripping member when the first hand gripping member is movedtoward the center of the bar, and a second resistance member positionedon the bar intermediate the center and the second hand gripping member,the second resistance member adapted for providing resistance againstthe second hand gripping member when the second hand gripping member ismoved toward the center of the bar.
 2. A weightlifting apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first and second hand gripping membersare adapted for rotational movement on the bar.
 3. A weightliftingapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the bar is substantiallycylindrical, and each of the first and second hand gripping memberscomprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve telescopically positionedon the bar.
 4. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 3, whereineach of the first and second hand gripping members further comprisefirst and second guard sections formed at opposite ends of the sleeveand having a diameter greater than a diameter of the sleeve.
 5. Aweightlifting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the bar and thefirst and second hand gripping members are comprised of metal.
 6. Aweightlifting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the firstand second resistance members comprise a spring loaded tension coil. 7.A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bar isadapted to support and maintain a first weight proximate the first end,and a second weight proximate the second end.
 8. A weightliftingapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first weight comprises afirst plurality of weighted plates, and the second weight comprises asecond plurality of weightlifting plates.
 9. A weightlifting apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein a first stop member sleeve is positionedon the bar proximate the first end for maintaining the first pluralityof weightlifting plates on the bar, and a second stop member ispositioned on the bar proximate the second end for maintaining thesecond plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar.
 10. A weightliftingapparatus comprising: (a) a substantially cylindrical bar having firstand second ends and defining a center midway between the first andsecond ends; (b) first and second substantially cylindrical handgripping members telescopically positioned on the bar, wherein the firstand second hand gripping members can move axially along the bar androtate about the bar, and the center of the bar is intermediate thefirst and second hand gripping members; and (c) a first resistancemember positioned on the bar intermediate the center and the first handgripping member, the first resistance member adapted for providingresistance against the first hand gripping member when the first handgripping member is moved toward the center of the bar, and a secondresistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the center and thesecond hand gripping member, the second resistance member adapted forproviding resistance against the second hand gripping member when thesecond hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar.
 11. Aweightlifting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each of the firstand second hand gripping members comprise an elongate center section forgripping by a user, and inner and outer guard sections formed atopposite ends of the elongate center section and having a diametergreater than a diameter of the elongate center section.
 12. Aweightlifting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the firstresistance member comprises a first spring loaded tension coil, theinner guard section of the first hand gripping member being adjacent tothe first spring loaded tension coil, and further wherein secondresistance member comprises a second spring loaded tension coil, theinner guard section of the second hand gripping member being adjacent tothe second spring loaded tension coil.
 13. A weightlifting apparatusaccording to claim 11, further comprising a first stop member releasablyattached to the bar proximate the first end of the bar, and a secondstop member releasably attached to the bar proximate the second end ofthe bar, wherein axial movement of the first hand gripping member isstopped by the outer guard section of the first hand gripping membercontacting the first stop member, and axial movement of the second handgripping member is stopped by the outer guard section of the second handgripping member contacting the second stop member.
 14. A weightliftingapparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the first and secondstop members comprise a collar that is releasably attached to the bar bya locking screw.
 15. A weightlifting apparatus according to claim 10,wherein each of the first and second resistance members comprise aspring loaded tension coil.
 16. A weightlifting apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the bar is adapted to support and maintain a firstplurality of weightlifting plates proximate the first end, and a secondplurality of weightlifting plates proximate the second end.
 17. Aweightlifting apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a first stopmember is positioned on the bar proximate the first end for maintainingthe first plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar, and a secondstop member is positioned on the bar proximate the second end formaintaining the second plurality of weightlifting plates on the bar. 18.A method of exercise comprising: (a) providing a weightlifting apparatuscomprising: (i) a bar having first and second ends and defining a centermidway between the first and second ends, (ii) first and second handgripping members positioned on the bar and adapted for axial androtational movement on the bar, wherein the center of the bar isintermediate the first and second hand gripping members; and (iii) afirst resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the centerand the first hand gripping member, the first resistance member adaptedfor providing resistance against the first hand gripping member when thefirst hand gripping member is moved toward the center of the bar, and asecond resistance member positioned on the bar intermediate the centerand the second hand gripping member, the second resistance memberadapted for providing resistance against the second hand gripping memberwhen the second hand gripping member is moved toward the center of thebar; (b) lifting the bar; and (c) moving the first and second handgripping members inwardly toward the center of the bar.
 19. The methodof exercise according to claim 18, further comprising moving the firstand second hand gripping members outwardly away from the center of thebar.
 20. The method of exercise according to claim 18, wherein furthercomprising rotating the first and second hand gripping members about thebar.